Beretta 1915/17 M-1915/17 3.25” 7.65 /.32ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1915-1918 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,124.99

WOA#: WY240614RF046

Make: Beretta

Model: 1915/17

Serial Number: 37884

Year of Manufacture: 1915-1918

Caliber: 7.65mm, .32 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with knurled rear shaft safety

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “PIETRO BERETTA-BRESCIA-CAL. 765 BREVETTO 1915”, and “37884”. The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number “37884”. The barrel is marked “37884”.

Barrel Length: 3.25”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to a banded base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration, and Condition: The grips are two-piece vertically scored wood panels with PB embossing at the top. The left panel has some surface marks and some scratches, and a rub mark through the finish towards the top rear portion. The right panel has a small chip at the top that looks very small considering the panel has worn down to where the P is fading. The lines are all very clean with minimal compression.  The panels are not cracked and the screw heads are sharp. Overall, the grips rate in about Fine to Very Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is slightly dim with well-defined rifling. There is mild erosion throughout the bore. This barrel appears to not have been fired a lot considering the age of the pistol. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its original finish. The balance of the finish shows surface scratches and marks scattered throughout. There is rub wear on the left leading edge of the dust cover, the bottom of the slide lug, both leading edges of the slide near the muzzle, a small spot on the rear strap and under the safety. There is some rust freckling around the rear sight. Overall for a pistol of this age it is in about Very Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This pistol includes one (1) 8-round magazine with moderate operational wear, a strong spring, intact feed lips, and rates in Very Good condition.

Our Assessment: The Beretta Model 1915/17, chambered in 7.65mm Browning (.32 ACP), is an early semi-automatic pistol that played a pivotal role in Beretta’s entry into modern handgun design. Developed during World War I, this model is one of Beretta’s earliest firearms and set the foundation for the company’s extensive line of pistols that followed. The Model 1915 was initially introduced in 1915 to meet the demands of the Italian military, and the refined Model 1917 followed shortly thereafter, incorporating minor updates to enhance functionality and safety. Both models are often grouped together due to their shared design and historical context. The Beretta Model 1915/17 features a simple and reliable blowback operation, making it well-suited for the .32 ACP cartridge. Its fixed barrel design contributes to the pistol’s inherent accuracy, as the barrel remains stationary during firing, unlike some other designs with moving barrels. This design choice, combined with the pistol’s relatively compact dimensions, made it an effective sidearm for military and police use in the early 20th century. The pistol operates with a single-action trigger mechanism and includes a manual safety lever on the left side of the frame, which was typical of early semi-automatic pistols. One of the distinctive features of the Model 1915/17 is its open-top slide, a characteristic that would become a hallmark of later Beretta designs. This open slide design aids in the reliable ejection of spent casings and contributes to the overall functionality of the firearm. The pistol’s grip is relatively slim, accommodating a single-stack magazine that holds 8 rounds of .32 ACP, with a heel-mounted magazine release—a common feature in pistols of that era. Historically, the Beretta Model 1915/17 was widely used by the Italian military and police forces during World War I and continued in service through World War II. Its adoption marked a significant milestone for Beretta, establishing the company’s reputation in the semi-automatic pistol market. The choice of 7.65mm Browning (.32 ACP) was popular for military sidearms of the time, offering a balance between manageable recoil and adequate stopping power for close-quarters encounters, making it a practical choice for soldiers and law enforcement officers. Overall, the Beretta Model 1915/17 is notable for its role in the evolution of Beretta’s handgun lineup and its service during a critical period in history. It represents an important step in the development of early 20th-century military sidearms and is valued by collectors for its historical significance and connection to Beretta’s enduring legacy in firearm manufacturing. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!! – R.L.

Beretta 1915/17 M-1915/17 3.25” 7.65 /.32ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1915-1918 C&R
Beretta 1915/17 M-1915/17 3.25” 7.65 /.32ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1915-1918 C&R